But it's entirely Spitzer's fault: "Squirming like a flounder and blushing a terrible shade of crimson," says Andrea Peyser at the New York Post, the former politician could only resort to "inappropriate grins and giggles at his grim-faced co-host." Who thought it would be a good idea to get this "shamed ex-governor, infamous for his sad sex romps with hookers," to host a talk show? "Freak show unbearable to watch"

If this is CNN's best shot, it is truly sunk: With the recent firing of both its president Jonathan Klein and "clownish anchor" Rick Sanchez, there was already "carnage in the air" for CNN, says Dan Kennedy at The Guardian." And "'Parker Spitzer' did nothing to reverse the notion that CNN is utterly lost." Why is CNN trying so hard at 8 p.m.? "Against O'Reilly and Olbermann, it hasn't got a chance.""Parker Spitzer: no snap or crackle, and not pop"